North Carolina utility delays tech giants' clean energy access

Duke Energy's clean energy plan for tech firms faces regulatory hurdles

Duke Energy, North Carolina's vertically integrated utility, has signaled plans to negotiate a clean transition tariff for commercial and industrial customers starting in early 2027. This follows its spring 2024 announcement of intent to pursue such a tariff with major tech firms and Nucor steel. The tariff aims to protect residential customers from stranded assets as data centers surge in demand. However, implementation requires approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which has not yet acted on Duke's October 2026 timeline for negotiations. Crucially, this clean transition tariff differs from Duke's recent large load tariff agreement (October 2026) that lacks clean energy provisions. If approved, it could make carbon-free power more accessible for tech infrastructure—but current friction stems from regulatory delays and the tariff's distinct scope from existing agreements. The source notes Google remains committed to advancing this model despite being excluded from the recent large load deal. The timeline remains contingent on commission approval, not yet shipped.

Source: Canary Media